Frances Jo Stinnett's Obituary
Frances Jo (Jodie) Stinnett, 88, longtime resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away on March 15, 2026. Jodie was born January 20, 1938, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Bural Floyd Etheridge and JoAnn Paul Etheridge.
Jodie graduated from Muskogee High School in 1956 and went on to attend Connors State Agricultural College and Northeastern State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Art Education and a Master’s Degree in Counseling. During her` time at Connors State, she met the love of her life, William Orville Stinnett of Sallisaw,, Oklahoma, and they were married on December 26, 1959. The couple eventually settled in Tulsa, where Jodie became a much-beloved teacher and counselor in the Tulsa Public School System, serving until her retirement.
Jodie was a joyful wife, mother, sister, and affectionate grandmother. In addition to her dedication to education, she was an accomplished artist. She was a member of the Tulsa Artists Guild and was invited to display her artwork at both the Philbrook Museum of Art and Gilcrease Museum. For many years, she maintained a booth at the War Eagle Fair. She also illustrated a children’s book, George Washington’s Smallest Army. We are grateful that her artistic talents have been passed down to several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Her creativity extended beyond the canvas and into her gardens. During her retirement years, Jodie devoted significant time to cultivating an extensive collection of Old English roses, as well as modern and miniature roses, clematis, and irises. Family and friends frequently enjoyed fresh bouquets from her garden. She also loved antiquing and collecting beautiful blue transferware dishes.
But most of all, Jodie cherished time spent with her family. She made it a priority to provide at least one home-cooked meal each week, bringing her adult children and their families together regularly. She instilled in her children and grandchildren a deep appreciation for the arts and theater, spending countless hours watching classic musicals and taking them to live performances at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Jodie was also known for her beautiful and extensive Christmas décor, often spending a full week decorating her many trees. Her grandchildren loved the epic bespoke birthday cakes she made them. Above all, she offered unconditional love and support, always present for whatever her family needed.
Jodie was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Diana Foshee Sellers; and her husband, Orville Stinnett. She is survived by her daughter, Jana Buchman, and her husband, Scott; her son, Joel Stinnett, and his wife, Melinda; grandchildren Drew Buchman; Amber McMurrian and her husband, Kyle; Amanda Michaels and her wife, Mallory; Joshua Stinnett; Nathaniel Stinnett and his wife, Shanyn; and Sarah Stinnett and her fiancé, Zachary Thomas; as well as great-grandchildren Miley Buchman; Paxton and Bodie McMurrian; Amelia and Sullivan Michaels; and Stetson and Sawyer Stinnett. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Charles Stinnett, and his wife, Linda, along with numerous nieces, nephews,, family members, and dear friends.
Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, March 18th, 2026, at Floral Haven Rose Chapel with committal service to follow at Floral Haven Memorial Garden, Garden of Prayer.
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